Ravens at Saints: know your opponent

Ravens at Saints: know your opponent

Associated Press photo by BRANDON WADE -- Baltimore Ravens quarterback Tyrod Taylor looks for a receiver during an NFL preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys on Aug. 16, 2014, in Arlington, Texas.Baltimore Ravens quarterback Tyrod Taylor rushes the ball in the second half of an NFL preseason football game against the Washington Redskins, Saturday, Aug. 23, 2014, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Gail Burton)

Joe Flacco will not be under center for the Ravens, but that doesn’t mean this game will be a cakewalk for the Saints defense. Backup Tyrod Taylor has pieced together a pretty impressive preseason.

The fourth-year quarterback out of Virginia Tech has completed 65.8 percent of his passes for 240 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. The highlight moment of his preseason might have come last week when he hit wide receiver Deonte Thompson on a go route for a 21-yard touchdown.

But the Saints will not only have to account for Taylor’s arm. The quarterback has shown the ability to get out of the pocket and take off for runs, as evidenced by his 12 carries for 100 yards. In fact, Taylor led the Ravens last week with five carries for 35 yards.

Taylor’s ability to pick up yards both ways will keep whoever is on the field for the Saints busy. The linebackers and defensive linemen will have their hands full keeping him in the pocket, and the defensive backs will have to respect his arm.